GB Railfreight Names Locomotive 66745 After Wigan Springs Branch Depot

GB Railfreight has named locomotive 66745 ‘Wigan Springs Branch’ in tribute to the role played by the Network Rail depot in keeping services moving through challenging seasonal conditions.

The naming ceremony brought together colleagues and guests from GB Railfreight and Network Rail, with GBRf Chief Executive Officer John Smith OBE and Chief Operating Officer Ian Langton among those attending.

Wigan Springs Branch has become an important base for GBRf since the company began operations at the site last year. It now plays a central part in the firm’s Rail Head Treatment Train work, supporting the five-year contract with Network Rail to help maintain a safe and reliable railway.

The depot maintains ten Multi-Purpose Vehicles, which are used on seasonal treatment duties, and supports six daily MPV circuits operated by GBRf across North West England and North Wales. These include routes serving Merseyrail, Manchester and Blackpool.

The team at Wigan Springs Branch also supports the maintenance of four locomotives based at Mossend in Scotland.

Multi-Purpose Vehicles are used throughout the year to deal with changing conditions on the railway. In autumn, they help remove leaf mulch and improve rail adhesion. During winter, they apply anti-icing treatment to the Merseyrail network, while in spring and summer they are used for weed-spraying work.

Under its contract with Network Rail, GBRf will continue to deliver services including leaf-fall treatment, snow and ice management and vegetation control across much of the country until at least 2030.

Ian Langton, Chief Operating Officer at GB Railfreight, said:

“Keeping the railway moving throughout the year relies on the professionalism, commitment and expertise of our people to ensure people and goods arrive at their destination on time. The team at Wigan Springs Branch plays a critical role in maintaining a safe, reliable railway, helping passengers travel with confidence and ensuring freight reaches its destination whatever the conditions. Naming locomotive 66745 ‘Wigan Springs Branch’ is a fitting recognition of the hard work, dedication and pride shown by the team every day. Their contribution is essential in keeping the railway in the North West and Scotland moving safely and efficiently”

Image: GB Railfreight